Assembly of MSK Chemical Grenades

[Snufkin]

For those interested in grenade assembly, herewith an image from a Scottish munitions factory, summer of 1918. It's a bit different from the usual Mills grenade manufacture in that it shows No.28 MkII (MSK) grenade bodies being varnished, and then being assembled with their igniter and burster holders. In the background the transit G28 boxes are also being assembled.

The MSK grenade started off as the Type Q, which became the No.28 MkI, and then modified to the No.28 MkII - although the term MSK was also used for the No.29 (POP) grenade. The chemical fillings deployed were SK, KSK and KJ; SK being the initials of South Kensington, selection and tests being carried out at Imperial College, South Kensington, London. SK was 75% ethyl iodoacetate and 25% ethyl alcohol; KSK was 100% ethyl iodoacetate; and KJ was stannic chloride (also known as tin(IV) chloride).

 

[LCplCombat]

is it Gretna?

 

[Snufkin]

The factory shown is one of the Edinburgh Munitions Committee iron makers. Gretna was a chemical plant, making propellant (cordite).

 

[Millsman]

It's a fabulous photo. It would be even more interesting st see a photo of the filling process. What safety clothing was worn and how was it done?

 

[Bonnex]

A few years ago I put into the downloads section a brief identification guide covering the 'Alphabetical Series' grenades. It is under a title something like 'Historical Note - British Grenades - Section 2' for those interested. There are probably a few errors and omissions.

 

[1989rjb]

do you have a picture of the No.29?

 

[Snufkin]

do you have a picture of the No.29?

A couple of drawings are shown, but existing grenades are a little scarce. Relatively few were made, and what were not used in trials probably ended up buried in an unmarked hole on one of the Porton test ranges.

 

[peteblight]

A couple of drawings are shown, but existing grenades are a little scarce. Relatively few were made, and what were not used in trials probably ended up buried in an unmarked hole on one of the Porton test ranges.

I’ve spent many years looking all over the world for the No29 grenade. Never found an example anywhere!

 

[Snufkin]

I’ve spent many years looking all over the world for the No29 grenade. Never found an example anywhere!

The numbers were not large. According to TW Supply Department notes of 2nd June 1917, the demand for No.29 POP grenades was 504 for experimental filling, of which 48 were recorded as having been sent to the Filling Station (Walthamstow) and the balance of 456 awaiting delivery instructions. There is nothing in the TWSD notes to suggest any more than 504 were made, or even if the complete demand was met. Being a Porton design, it is perhaps reasonable that some filled grenades went there for tests, and some certainly went to France.

By 30th March 1918, the War Office reported that ten No.29 grenades had been unsuccessful in trials in France, further action with the design was suspended and that it would be declared obsolete.



Demand BM 1401/B/8, dated 24 April 1917: